I have some business contacts overseas and want to export coal or iron ore (or other mineral commodities)
Australia is a major producer and exporter of bulk
minerals such as iron ore and coal as well as a
variety of other minerals - as such, Australia has
enormous capability in exploration and mining
development. However, most production of mineral
commodities is tied up in long term contractual
arrangements with end users such as power stations
and steel mills. You will find that bulk
commodities suppliers, including mining and energy
companies, have dedicated sales portals attached to
their websites where they welcome sales enquiries
from around the world and prefer to engage with
potential new customers via this channel. These
types of products are also listed on global
commodities markets, where contracts to buy and
sell are freely traded.
The Minerals Council of Australia website has an
online directory of members
that includes some of the larger suppliers of these
commodities.
Austrade's
industry overview pages
provide information on a number of related export
capabilities, including mining equipment,
technology and services (METS), oil and gas, and
energy (including clean energy).
We regularly receive enquiries from traders and
inexperienced individuals, often they have not
received a response from a mining company and they
want the Australian Government to intervene.
Anecdotally, they usually don't receive a response
because their "large" order is actually relatively
small and/or the product is in high demand.
Culturally, some Asian customers expect the
government to control the market.
Their best option would be to speak with
commodities traders to secure shipments. We also
get traders calling us!
For general advice on exporting, see Guide to Exporting.